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🚪🚨 DOORSTEP FRAUD – KNOW WHO YOU’RE LETTING IN
We have had reports of rogue traders in your local SNT area, please see below advice:
Not all scams happen online or over the phone. Doorstep fraud is when someone visits your home unexpectedly and tries to trick you into handing over money, personal information or access to your property.
Fraudsters and rogue traders can be very convincing. They may arrive at your door claiming to be from a legitimate company, a utility provider, the council or another organisation, or they may offer to carry out work such as gardening, roofing, building or repairs.
They may use pressure, urgency or fear to persuade you to agree to something you didn’t ask for.
Here are some things to look out for 👇
🚪 Unexpected visitors
If you weren’t expecting someone, you don’t have to open the door.
Use a door chain, intercom, video doorbell or window to find out who they are before deciding whether to speak to them.
👷 “We’re working in the area…”
Be cautious if someone turns up unexpectedly and says they have noticed a problem with your roof, guttering, driveway or garden.
Never feel pressured into agreeing to work simply because someone has pointed out a problem.
đź’· Pressure to pay immediately
Be wary if someone insists you need to pay straight away, asks for cash or pressures you into making a bank transfer.
Take time to consider the offer and seek a second opinion if necessary.
⏰ Don’t be rushed
Statements such as “this needs doing today”, “the price is only available now” or “we’ve already got the equipment here” should make you stop and think.
A genuine trader should understand if you want time to make a decision.
🪪 Ask for identification
If someone claims to be from a company or organisation, ask to see identification.
If you’re unsure, don’t rely solely on the details they provide. Contact the organisation using a telephone number or website you know to be genuine and check whether the person is genuinely working for them.
🔑 Never let someone into your home just because they ask
If you are not expecting them, you do not have to let them inside.
If someone says they need to check something inside your property, take time to verify who they are first.
👵👴 Look out for neighbours, friends and family
Doorstep criminals may deliberately target people they believe are vulnerable or isolated.
If you have an elderly or vulnerable neighbour, check in with them if you notice unexpected traders or visitors in the area.
REMEMBER: YOU CAN SAY NO.
You don’t have to buy anything.
You don’t have to agree to work.
You don’t have to let someone into your home.
And you don’t have to make a decision immediately.
If something doesn’t feel right, close the door and take some time to check.
If you believe someone is currently at your door attempting to commit a crime or you feel threatened or unsafe, call 999.
If you have been a victim of fraud or a rogue trader, report it. Don’t be embarrassed — these individuals can be extremely convincing, and reporting incidents can help prevent others from being targeted.
👮‍♀️ Your local Safer Neighbourhood Team will continue to work with residents and local communities to raise awareness and help prevent doorstep crime.
STOP • THINK • CHECK
🚪 Don’t open the door to pressure.
🪪 Check who you’re dealing with.
đź’· Never feel rushed into handing over money. | 
